Acts 4:37
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπάρχοντος
Having
G5225
ὑπάρχοντος
Having
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
1 of 14
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
αὐτῷ
G846
αὐτῷ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀγροῦ
land
G68
ἀγροῦ
land
Strong's:
G68
Word #:
3 of 14
a field (as a drive for cattle); genitive case, the country; specially, a farm, i.e., hamlet
ἤνεγκεν
it and brought
G5342
ἤνεγκεν
it and brought
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
5 of 14
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔθηκεν
laid
G5087
ἔθηκεν
laid
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
9 of 14
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
παρά
it at
G3844
παρά
it at
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient economy was land-based; selling property reduced permanent income for one-time cash. Barnabas's sacrifice demonstrated genuine conversion - money's grip broken by grace. This episode's placement before Ananias's tragedy shows the contrast between authentic and counterfeit generosity.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'permanent wealth' might God be calling you to liquidate for kingdom purposes?
- How does 'laying at the apostles' feet' demonstrate trust in church leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Barnabas's action - 'having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet' - exemplifies sacrificial generosity. The phrase 'laid it at the apostles' feet' demonstrates submission to church authority for distribution. Selling land (Greek 'agros,' field or estate) represented significant sacrifice - land was permanent wealth. This act introduces the contrast with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) while modeling authentic discipleship: all possessions subject to kingdom priorities.